Star Roof Experience: Tosca | Arena di Verona
About the Event
Combine Puccini's Tosca with the exclusive Star Roof Experience.
The Star Roof Experience takes place on the terrace of the stars, a hidden gem known by few, including the locals of Verona themselves. This unique setting is situated between the first ring of the Arena and the surviving wing, which has stood as a symbol of the amphitheater since the 1117 earthquake. From this vantage point, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of Piazza Bra and its historic Liston, perpetually bustling with visitors.
Before the opera, only 24 special guests will have access to this magical place, to enjoy a Michelin‐starred dinner before being taken directly to the ‘open‐air royal box’ to attend the opera.
The goal of this initiative is to collect funds, alongside Verona’s Municipality
and the Department responsible for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape
for the provinces of Verona, to preserve such a unique monument as the Arena.
Once the dinner concludes, you will be escorted to the coveted front‐row seats to savor the opera performance. During the intermission, you will have exclusive access to a designated area where a personalized courtesy service awaits you.
From August 2 to August 30, the Arena di Verona will shine with Hugo De Ana's spectacular version of Giacomo Puccini's beloved Tosca for four performances.
Hugo de Ana adorns the stage with magnificent sculptural figures that reflect aspects of the drama itself.
Tosca is a three‐act opera composed by Giacomo Puccini at the end of the 19th century. The libretto is by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica.
A melodrama set in Rome in 1800, during Napoleon´s invasion of Italy, the piece depicts torture, murder, and suicide alongside love, jealousy and conviction, in some of Puccini´s most intensely lyrical and dramatic music. Through‐composed, the use of thematic motifs emulates Wagnerian technique, and it is clear Puccini intended 'Tosca' to be a work of music drama. The opera was not critically acclaimed at its premiere, early in 1900, but was an immediate success with audiences — a trend that has continued into the present.
Act 1
Angelotti, a political prisoner, has just escaped from the Castel Sant’Angelo and seeks refuge in his family chapel in a nearby church. A sacristan enters with the painter Cavaradossi, who continues his work on a portrait of Mary Magdalene. Angelotti reveals his presence and asks for his friend’s help, but hides again as the painter’s lover, the famous opera singer Floria Tosca, enters. Tosca is suspicious, but Cavaradossi reassures her of his fidelity, and the lovers plan to meet later in the evening.
A cannon shot, announcing Angelotti’s escape, is heard and Cavaradossi helps his friend flee.
The chief of police, Baron Scarpia, arrives searching for Angelotti. Suspecting Cavaradossi’s involvement, Scarpia convinces Tosca that Cavaradossi has run off with another woman, knowing that Tosca’s jealousy will lead him to Cavaradossi and Angelotti. As the ‘Te Deum’ builds in intensity, he vows to ensnare them all.
Act 2
Cavaradossi has been arrested. Summoning Tosca from her concert in the courtyard below, Scarpia tries to extract Angelotti’s hiding place from Tosca, but she pleads ignorance, so Scarpia raises the stakes, torturing Cavaradossi. Tosca reveals the secret, asking Scarpia for Cavaradossi’s freedom in return. Delirious with pain, Cavaradossi hears Scarpia order his men to Angelotti’s hiding place, and curses Tosca.
Tosca pleads for her lover’s life, and Scarpia offers an exchange — if she will submit to his lust, he will spare Cavaradossi’s life. Tosca realises she must agree to the bargain. Scarpia tells Tosca there must be a mock execution, but slyly orders his men to prepare for a real one.
At Tosca’s request, Scarpia writes a safe‐conduct pass for her and Cavaradossi. Tosca finds a dagger among Scarpia’s papers, stabs him, and goes to find Cavaradossi, safe‐conduct in hand.
Act 3
Awaiting execution, Cavaradossi bribes the jailer for pen and paper to write a farewell letter to Tosca. Tosca appears, tells him that she has murdered Scarpia but that they will escape together following the mock‐execution. The arrival of the firing squad interrupts the lovers’ excited planning.
The shots are fired and Tosca begs Cavaradossi to wait until the soldiers are gone before he moves, then discovers to her horror that the execution was real after all. Distant shouts announce the discovery of Scarpia’s murder. As the soldiers rush in to seize Tosca, she curses Scarpia’s betrayal, and leaps to her death from the castle parapet.
Practical Information
Includes:
- Dedicated concierge
- Exclusive area
- Placé dinner before the show
- Courtesy gift
- 'open air royal box'
- Opera ticket 1st row
- Early Entry: priority access to the venue
A minimum of 2 tickets must be booked.
Included are:
- Ticket to the opera performance in the chosen category
- One month's free access to a premium classical music streaming service
- self‐guided audio tour of Verona in English
Cast / Production
to be announced
